At $17,050/yr net price, Bemidji State University graduates earn $53,755/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,755/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $68,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,755/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,755/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,918/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,000/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,000/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,518/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,654 | $15,254 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,069 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,512 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $47,260 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,193 | $16,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $23,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $41,789 | $16,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,855 | $19,125 |
| Geography and Cartography. | Bachelor | $36,941 |
The Risk Factor
53.4% of students at Bemidji State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Bemidji State University offers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with median earnings exceeding $50,000 annually and manageable debt loads under $20,000. Your strongest financial bets are engineering technology, nursing, and computer science programs, which all deliver starting salaries above $62,000. Nursing graduates carry particularly low debt at just over $15,000, making this program an strong value.
The university's 53% graduation rate creates financial risk if you struggle academically or lack clear career direction. Nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential. Mathematics majors face earnings below $48,000, which may not justify four years of investment given other opportunities in the region.
Bemidji State works best financially if you're committed to healthcare, technology, or engineering fields where the school has established regional employer connections. The northern Minnesota job market favors these technical skills, particularly in healthcare systems and manufacturing. You should look elsewhere if you're undecided on major or interested in fields where the university lacks strong programs.
Only 26% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. The low net price of $17,050 makes this school accessible without extensive borrowing. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-earning majors and completing your degree within four years to maximize the return on your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bemidji State University worth the cost compared to other Minnesota schools?
Bemidji State's net price of $17,050 is relatively affordable, but graduates earn $53,755 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Bemidji State University?
Engineering Technology ($63,005), Nursing ($62,654), and Computer Science ($62,069) offer the strongest earning potential at Bemidji State. These programs can justify the investment, while other majors like Mathematics ($47,260) may not provide strong returns.
How much debt do Bemidji State University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $19,750, which is manageable compared to many colleges. However, this assumes you graduate - with only a 53% completion rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Bemidji State University have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 10-year earnings data shows graduates averaging $53,755, which is modest for a college degree. Success depends heavily on your major, with technical fields like engineering and nursing providing much better outcomes than liberal arts programs.